Charlotte, N.C.-based Duke Energy has announced that it is expanding its renewable energy portfolio through a contract to purchase 100 1.5 MW wind turbines from General Electric (GE).

The turbines, capable of generating a total of 150 MW, are anticipated to be in service in the 2009-2010 time frame on sites currently under review in the western and southwestern U.S.

The company's wind generation assets are managed by Duke Energy Generation Services (DEGS), a Duke Energy subsidiary that focuses on renewable energy, commercial power and on-site energy across the U.S.

"Our agreement with General Electric increases our investment in the wind business and further expands Duke Energy's renewable energy fleet," says David Marks, DEGS senior vice president for wind energy development.